Chapter 5 - The Shadow of PhoenixBefore Clare could answer, the door to Room 7 swung open violently.
A woman in her late fifties, wearing an expensive designer coat and holding a leather handbag, stepped into the room, her heels clicking loudly against the linoleum floor. It was Eleanor Matthews, Clareâs mother.
"Clare!" Eleanor snapped, ignoring the medical staff. "I caught the first flight from Phoenix when Dana called me. I see you went through with this madness without consulting anyone."
Clare pulled her baby closer to her chest, her body tensing up instantly. "Mother... what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life," Eleanor said coldly, eyeing the hospital room with obvious distaste. "You have no husband, no job security, and no plan. Iâve already arranged for a private adoption agency in Scottsdale to handle this quietly."
"Excuse me?" Ethanâs voice cut through the room like a steel blade.
He stepped between Eleanor and the hospital bed, his impressive six-foot-two frame completely blocking Eleanorâs view of Clare and the baby.
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"Who are you?" Eleanor demanded, looking Ethan up and down with sneering arrogance. "The attending doctor? Stand aside. This is a private family matter."
"I am Dr. Ethan Cole, Chief of Obstetrics," Ethan replied, his voice dropping into an icy, dangerous register that made even Nurse Rosa hold her breath. "And you will not speak to my patientâor my daughterâin that tone ever again."
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